Patriots defensive star Rob Ninkovich will serve a four-game suspension at the start of the 2016 season after testing positive for a banned substance, according to ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss.

In an interview with Reiss, Ninkovich said he's "heartbroken" about the suspension, adding that he would never knowingly take a banned substance.

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"Few things are more important to me than my name and reputation. This might call that into question for some, which has me heartbroken," Ninkovich told ESPN. "I don't want to cut any corners. I want to do things the right way, with high integrity, and that's what I have always wanted to stand for."

Ninkovich, 32, tore a triceps muscle in training camp and was in danger of missing the start of the season because of the injury.

Ninkovich is eligible to return to the Patriots during the team's Week 5 game against the Cleveland Browns.